Swedish Hill Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Swedish Hill Historic District
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 Location in Texas
Location in the United States
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| Location | Austin, Texas |
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| Area | 40 acres |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| MPS | East Austin MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001088 |
| Added to NRHP | May 12, 1986 |
The Swedish Hill Historic District, often called "Swede Hill," is a special neighborhood in downtown Austin, Texas. It used to be home to many families who came from Sweden. Today, it's a lively residential area with a mix of students and city dwellers.
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A Look Back: The History of Swede Hill
The story of Swede Hill began in the 1870s. Many people from Sweden moved to Austin and started businesses downtown. They wanted to build their homes close by. S. A. Lundell was one of the first to build a house here. Soon, Carl John Swahn and many others followed.
Eventually, about 67 Swedish families built homes in this area. The neighborhood became known as Svenska Kullen, which means "Swedish Hill." It was originally bordered by Waller Street, Red River Street, 15th Street, and 19th Street (now Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard).
These Swedish immigrants were very active in their new community. They started the first Swedish Methodist Church in Texas. They also helped create Texas Wesleyan College, which was located near the present-day University of Texas at Austin.
Over time, the neighborhood changed. Big construction projects like I-35 and the Frank Erwin Center made the community much smaller. In 1986, the remaining part of Swede Hill was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical area.
What Makes Swede Hill Special?
Swede Hill is important for a few reasons. It was one of the first residential areas in East Austin. Many downtown business owners and skilled workers lived here.
The neighborhood is also known for its wide variety of architectural styles. Each building is a great example of its own unique design. You can see different types of Victorian-style homes here.
Homes and Buildings in Swede Hill
The houses in Swede Hill show many different architectural styles. These include simpler versions of Victorian designs like the L-plan, T-plan, and Pyramidal plan. You can also find homes with a corner-porch plan and Bungalow style.
Many of these buildings have beautiful details. You might notice fancy carpentry work on porches, columns, railings, and decorative brackets. The homes also feature different types of siding and shingles, adding to their charm.
Photo gallery
